The DNR says that's the equivalent of nearly to 267,000 meals donated through the Sportsman's Benevolence Fund, which was created in 2008.

State Sen. Brent Steele co-authored the bill that secured state funding to handle processing fees for the donated venison. The Bedford Republican says the program allows hunters to continue hunting while providing much-needed meals to Indiana families.

Republican state Sen. Michael Crider of Greenfield co-authored the bill. He says partnerships between meat processors, food pantries and the DNR are essential to the success of the Sportsman's Benevolence Fund.